Our team

I was delighted to be asked to become a Patron of the Therapy Garden, especially as I am a gardener at heart. I have seen at first hand from similar projects, how those with special needs, be they physical or mental, can benefit from a close contact with the earth and nature. I wish this project and all those involved every success.

Dame Penelope Keith DBE, DL

Gardening is my passion. Working with plants gives me a tremendous sense of wellbeing and perspective. I hope my knowledge and experience will benefit the fantastic work already done by the Therapy Garden which shows the power that gardening has to help everyone, whatever their needs.

Jez Stamp, Horticulturist of the Year 2013

Centre Manager

Kira Hardy– Garden Manager & Deputy Centre Manager

Kira has worked with young offenders within the prison system, has experience working with clients recovering from addiction, along with many years experience working in the horticulture industry. She enjoys visiting farm shops to buy local produce and has put her sign writing and illustration skills to use in our garden and shop.

Katrina Young- Senior Horticulturist

Hannah Bates – Senior Horticulturist

Coming soon

Carol Thorne – Horticulturist

With a background in nursing, Carol turned a keen interest in gardening into a new career and holds an RHS Level 2 Horticulture Qualification. She has worked in a number of voluntary roles with the National Trust, Age UK and the Physic Garden in Chelsea before joining as a volunteer at The Therapy Garden in 2016. Carol also works as a part time gardener at The National Trust’s Polesden Lacey and enjoys spending her time cooking and learning new craft skills.

Kate Turner – Horticulturist

Coming soon

Mark Coupland – Horticulturist

Mark joined the charity as a part-time horticulturist, having previously run a horticulture social enterprise project for the YMCA and worked as a horticulture tutor for adults with mental health needs. He completed his NVQ Level 3 in Youth Work and has a degree in Landscape and Amenity Management. Mark enjoys working with young people and using his gardening expertise to help them gain confidence and develop.

Sally Wooding – Fundraising & Events

Sally’s background is firmly rooted in the hospitality industry with experience in managing both corporate and private sector events. Sally takes care of corporate fundraising and organising events to raise the profile of the charity and can often be found in The Therapy Garden kitchen making delicious chutney and preserves for our shop.

Jenny Aspland – Fundraising & Marketing

Coming soon

Penny Walters – Volunteer Co-ordinator/ Finance

Andrew Kassell – Admin Assistant

Andrew joined The Therapy Garden as a volunteer and has become an invaluable member of the team, helping with general administration. He is a keen sportsman: he is the General Secretary of a local cricket club and also holds a Level 2 European Computer Drivers License.

Board of Trustees

Anne Everitt                            Vice-Chair

Richard Shears                        Treasurer

Reeve Martin                           Health & Safety, risk management

Samantha Strongman           Mental Health, Safeguarding

Sue Bevan                                Recruitment, HR

Alex Wigley                             Horticulture